Interview with Steve Cole (+ Full Equipment List)
Introduction
Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in contemporary jazz. The Chicago native exploded onto the scene in 1998 with the album “Stay Awhile” that was produced by fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson. The disc scored multiple #1 hits and earned Cole the Oasis Smooth Jazz Award for best new artist shortly before his sophomore set, “Between Us,” was released in 2000. His catchy singles made him an instant radio favorite and he cranked them out with regularity on subsequent albums “NY LA” (2003), “Spin” (2005), “True” (2006), “Moonlight” (2009), “True” (2013), “Turn It Up” (2016), “Gratitude” (2019).
Steve just released his new album Smoke and Mirrors which you can purchase here on Amazon or stream on Spotify. Do follow him on social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Also check out all of Steve’s other albums too.
Interview
What would be the title and summary of your TED Talk if you could only give one in your lifetime?
Relax, and live your gift. Channeling your true self through your instrument for next level connection with listeners.
What is one saxophone-related lesson you learnt early on that stuck with you throughout your career?
Sound is everything. A beautifully played whole note is worth thousands of uninspired sixteenth notes.
What advice would you give to a saxophonist graduating from college?
Audiences are interested in you as an artist and as a human being. Build community by sharing not only your artistry, but also your humanity.
What is one saxophone product you wish there was on the market that hasn’t been made?
The perfect synthetic reed. They’re close…but not yet there… 🙁 They just wilt when you really give the, the gas. They work in the studio, but live, for me, not yet…
Which is the best saxophone or mouthpiece you have tried that wasn’t for sale?
David Mann’s personal SK DM Origin Mouthpiece.
Which saxophonist (living or dead) would you have loved to have dinner with?
Hah…I’m gonna brag. I had dinner at David Sanborn’s house. I’m good! Box checked!!!
Best live performance memory
My first real gig after being signed to Atlantic Records. House of Blues in Chicago. I’ll never forget it. Amazing band…amazing audience.
Funniest gig experience
Any Sax Pack gig ever. Amazing music, and the funniest conversations on stage and off. Hilarious!!!
Saxophone Setup
Soprano
Yamaha YSS875EX (Classical)
Yamaha YSS675 (Jazz)
Mouthpiece:
Selmer Concept (Classical)
Yanagisawa 7 metal (Jazz)
Ligature:
Vandoren M/O Gold (classical)
Yanagisawa (jazz)
Reed:
Legere 3.25 jazz and classical
Alto
Selmer Supreme Gold Lacquered (Classical)
Trevor James Signature Custom RAW (Jazz)
Mouthpiece
Selmer S90 190 (Classical)
Otto Link Tone Edge 6 (Jazz)
Ligature
Ishimori Gold-Plated (Classical)
Harrison Silver (Jazz)
Reed
D’addario Venn 3 (Classical), D’addario Venn 2.5 (Jazz)
Tenor
Saxophone
Selmer Series III (Classical)
Trevor James Signature Custom RAW (Jazz)
Mouthpiece
Selmer S90 190 (Classical)
SK DM Origin .110 (Jazz)
Ligature
Ishimori Gold-Plated (Jazz,Classical)
Reed
D’Addario Venn 3 (Classical), D’Addario Hemke 3 (Jazz)
Baritone
I don’t have one…wish list!!!
Saxophone Case
BAM Cabine
Neck Strap
Protec Leather
Live Microphone
Shure SM98
Studio Microphone
AKG C12 vr, AEA NUVO N8
Studio Equipment
Effects used in recordings
UAD Lexicon 480L, Teletronix LA2A, UAD Studer 880 Tape Emulation, Waves Renaissance Compressor
Any Miscellaneous sax products you use
Reed Geek, Peak Performance Bell Ring (classical alto)
